Download lsd (lysergic acid diethylamide)

LSD (LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE)
History
LSD is derived from the fungus ergot and was first synthesised in 1938
although its psychedelic effects were not discovered until 1943. Research into
the drug’s potential applications focused on its use in psychiatric medicine, as
a truth drug and in the treatment of alcohol and heroin dependency.
Psychiatrists began using the drug and a subculture developed which spread
into the mainstream becoming strongly associated with the hippy movement.
The 1980s saw a revival of its use alongside the popularity of ecstasy on the
clubbing scene.
While various internet sources profess ‘easy’ manufacturing processes,
production of LSD is not straightforward and requires specialist resources and
knowledge. UK heroin is produced within the British Isles or imported from
mainland Europe
Street
name
LSD, acid, tabs, trips, microdots, blotters
Type
Drug Effect
Effects of the drug are usually called ‘tripping’ and are unpredictable and vary
hugely from person to person causing changes to thoughts, senses and
perceptions and hallucinations which may be visual or auditory. Users can
enter a dream-like state, feeling as though they are having mystical
experiences. However users can also experience high levels of anxiety,
dizziness or disorientation. Interacts badly with both alcohol and cannabis
Dependency
LSD is not addictive but a tolerance can develop.
Description
In its pure state LSD comes as crystals, dissolved in water to make a clear
colourless liquid. This is usually soaked into sheets of paper – blotters – which
are cut into small squares for sale at street level. These are sometimes
overprinted with a design. Microdots are small dark brown/black pellets,
slightly larger than a pinhead.
Street use
Usually taken orally, chewed or swallowed. Sometimes placed against a
mucous membrane (e.g. eyes) for absorption. LSD takes between thirty
minutes and an hour to take effect and a ‘trip’ can last between eight and
twelve hours. £2-4 per tab.
Withdrawal
The drug is not physically addictive. If used for 3 to 4 days consecutively, it
would cease to produce an effect. Users have reported experiencing
‘flashbacks’, reliving a few seconds or minutes of a trip weeks, months or even
years after taking the drug.
Long term
use
The most common health risk attached to LSD use is causing either short or
long term psychological damage. LSD can trigger a range of psychiatric
problems and hence anyone with a history of mental health problems would
be advised to avoid LSD. Frequent, long-term use can leave people seeming
disorientated for quite a long time; such cases were known, especially through
the sixties, as ‘acid casualties.’ Some studies suggest that LSD use can cause
permanent eye damage and suggestions have been made as to links with longterm brain damage. There is a risk that someone using LSD could injure
themselves while delusional; many such cases have been reported in the
media though very few have been substantiated.
Some users report experiencing ‘flashbacks,’ reliving a few seconds or minutes
of an LSD-induced trip, weeks, months or rarely years after taking the drug.
LSD interacts badly with both alcohol and cannabis; while not dangerous, the
risks of unpleasant side effects, especially nausea and anxiety, seem to
increase.
Overdose
Acid can take from 20 minutes to up to two hours to take effect so some
people think it hasn't worked, take more and then find it's too much to handle.
Very occasionally someone on a bad trip may become delusional or a danger
and require treatment from the emergency services, when benzodiazepines or
antipsychotics may be used to minimise harm until the drug has worn off.
Legal
Status
Class A, Schedule 1